TGC Podcast

Sharon James, a speaker at the TGC 2024 Women's Conference and a dedicated advocate from the Christian Institute, passionately discusses Christianity's profound positive impact on society. She explores the inspiring story of Sarah Martin and how early Christians championed human rights and dignity. Delving into justice, philanthropy, and education, she highlights how faith has empowered women and transformed communities. By contrasting contemporary critiques with historical truths, James reveals the enduring legacy of Christian influence in promoting freedom and social reform.

In this episode, Kendra Dahl, Rebecca McLaughlin, Jen Oshman, and Wendy Alsup consider the Bible’s teaching about women through a Jesus-centered understanding of Scripture. They observe Christianity's historical and cultural influences and encourage women to stay engaged with the Scriptures, seek truth in community, and persevere in the good work God has called them to.They discuss the following:Personal experience and why it's essential to study the ScripturesThe misuse and misapplication of ScriptureThe importance of a Jesus-centered hermeneuticWhy we need historical and cultural perspectivesEncouragement for women who have a negative view of the BibleRecommended resources:Is the Bible Good for Women? by Wendy AlsupConfronting Christianity by Rebecca McLaughlinJesus Through the Eyes of Women by Rebecca McLaughlinCultural Counterfeits by Jen OshmanIt’s Good to Be a Girl by Jen Oshman 

Jesus told his disciples it’d be to their advantage that he was going away because, if he didn’t, the Helper wouldn’t come to them. Then in Acts, we read about the Holy Spirit's descent on believers. So what advantage does the Holy Spirit bring?In this breakout session from TGCW24, Nancy Guthrie considers how our experience of the Holy Spirit today differs from that of Old Testament saints. She also unpacks the advantages of the Spirit's indwelling and what the Spirit-empowered life looks like.She discusses the following:The biblical imagery of wind and fireA survey of the Holy Spirit in the BibleLonging for guidanceLonging for powerLonging for more of ChristLonging for spiritual fruitLonging for glory

In this special episode, Ligon Duncan sits down with Mark Vroegop, the new president of The Gospel Coalition, to discuss his journey of faith, pastoral ministry, and vision for TGC's future. Hear Mark's testimony, the personal trials that shaped him, and the passion driving his commitment to serve pastors, churches, and believers around the world.Mark shares his thoughts on:TGC’s role in supporting the local churchChallenges and opportunities facing the church todayThe importance of cultural apologeticsHis vision for TGC’s next chapterHow he hopes TGC will continue building on the gospel-centered legacy of Tim Keller and Don CarsonLearn more about Mark at https://tgc.org/president

We’re currently living through the largest and fastest religious shift in U.S. history, with 40 million people having left houses of worship, mainly in the last 25 years.In this breakout session from TGCW24, Jim Davis and Michael Graham, authors of The Great Dechurching, unpack four types of people who’ve left evangelical churches, why they left, and why more than half of them are willing to return.They discuss the following:Why we need data on dechurchingKey findings from The Great Dechurching’s studyThe timeline and causes of dechurchingFour profiles of dechurched individualsMyths and misconceptions about dechurchingPractical steps for engaging the dechurched

Joanna Kimbrel, Amy Gannett, Gretchen Saffles, and Trillia Newbell reflect on their practice of spiritual disciplines, offering encouragement and practical suggestions for various seasons of life. They discuss the value of community in cultivating accountability, the need to start small and build consistency, and the abundant grace for those who find themselves in seasons of struggle. They also address common misconceptions about spiritual disciplines, stressing the joy of receiving these practices as a means of grace.They discuss:Defining spiritual disciplinesPracticing spiritual disciplines in different seasonsOvercoming lies about spiritual disciplinesEncouragement for different life seasonsRecommended ResourcesWord before World: 100 Devotions to Put Jesus First by Gretchen Saffles52 Weeks in the Word: A Companion for Reading through the Bible in a Year by Trillia NewbellFix Your Eyes: How Our Study of God Shapes Our Worship of Him by Amy Gannett

Join Collin Hansen and Melissa Kruger for their annual discussion as they look back on the top theology stories of 2024. They also share their favorite books from 2024, updates on personal projects, and what they're each looking forward to in life and ministry in 2025. They discuss: The rise in Bible sales in 2024Declining fertility rates worldwideBig changes for the United Methodist Church and the role of the Global SouthThe advance of assisted suicide in the UKThe Cass Report and the truth about transgender treatmentsEncouraging signs among Gen ZTrump’s election victory and a GOP shiftAnticipating the 2025 Gospelbound seasonBook highlights from 2024Personal projects and updatesDon Carson’s legacy and an important update about his life and ministryMentioned on this episode:"My Top 10 Theology Stories of 2024" by Collin Hansen (article)Help The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

John Piper delves into the Gospel of Luke, showing how the first chapters highlight God's central role in the birth of Jesus. He explores the significance of faith, humility, and obedience, drawing insights from biblical characters like Mary, Zechariah, and Elizabeth.He teaches: The purpose and structure of Luke's gospelThe importance of confidence in faithParallelism in the first two chapters of LukeThe centrality of God in Luke's gospelJesus's unique natureThe assurance of salvation through JesusThe way of faith and humilityThe joy of the Holy SpiritThe call to receive the Holy SpiritThe final encouragement to know and experience the gospelHelp The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

In this episode of TGC Podcast, Kendra Dahl, Andrew Wilson, and Glen Scrivener explore the incarnation's richness and the unique opportunities for evangelism during Christmas.They discuss the following:Cultural challenges and the transition from Advent to ChristmasThe richness of the incarnationChallenges of preaching the incarnationLearning from the United Kingdom's evangelism at ChristmasChristmas as a paradigm for year-round evangelismRecommended resources:Andrew Wilson, It’s Beginning to Look a Lot like Christmas (book)Glen Scrivener, The Gift (book)Glen Scrivener, “Glory to God in the Lowest” (article)SpeakLife “There’s a Dragon in My Nativity” (video)Help The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together

Isn't it fascinating how melody, harmony, and even chord progressions in music can stir our hearts to worship God and remind us of the beauty of his character? In this episode of TGC Podcast, Brett McCracken talks with musicians Caroline Cobb, Cody Curtis, and Eric Owyoung about the unique power of Advent and Christmas music.They explore how music captures the longing, joy, and tension of the season—reflecting the celebration of Christ’s first coming and the anticipation of his return. The artists share insights on creating music for these themes, highlighting how Advent and Christmas music can deepen our worship and reflection.Mentioned on this episode:Unto Us: 25 Advent Devotions About the Messiah, Advent devotional by TGC“The Weary World Rejoices: A TGC Advent Concert”“Advent Longing / Christmas Joy” by Brett McCracken: article and Spotify playlistCaroline Cobb:Advent for Exiles: 25 Devotions to Awaken Gospel Hope in Every Longing Heart by Caroline CobbA Seed, A Sunrise album by Caroline CobbCody Curtis: Advent Songs and Christmas Songs albums by PsallosFuture of Forestry:“O Come O Come Emmanuel” and “Come, Thou Long Expected Jesus”“Jesu, Joy of Man’s Desiring”“The Advent Song”“The Earth Stood Still”“What Beauty”Help The Gospel Coalition build up a renewed church for tomorrow. Let's Build Together: Donate Today at tgc.org/together